My life: What can I say, today, about my life? Perhaps that it is amazingly full. In some ways, at times, it feels TOO full. Too many responsibilities, too many balls in the air. But then, I think I like it that way. I mean, I can’t honestly remember the last time my life wasn’t FULL. It started with the birth of my first child when I was seventeen and it hasn’t really stopped since. Somehow, whenever it gets too simple, I find a way to add a little chaos into my life to keep it good and crazy. Maybe that means I am not allowed to complain?
Your images: Could this little lady be any cuter??? I don’t think so!! I have been photographing her since she was a tiny 5 day old baby and it has been just a joy to capture her as she’s grown. She has such a sparkle to her . . . just adorable!! This session was part of a Short & Sweet in Capitola. I just love beach sessions. So classic and pure. Yum.
My Life: Ugh, life can sure get busy in this culture. It seems that there is ALWAYS too much to do, too much to be and too many places to go. I cannot remember the last time I felt like I was “done” with everything I am supposed to do. Do you EVER get done? Our crazy-paced lives can really take a toll on family life. There is one solution I’ve found to fight back and to give our family a sense of belonging and identity that we all crave. It was a subtle change that had an enormous impact on our family and it is VERY simple; sit around the dinner table, as a family, for at least 45 minutes (our typical is an hour to hour and 15 minutes). If this sounds daunting, start small. If you normally only sit down for 15 minutes, stretch it to 25. If you spend 30 minutes, try 40. When we first started this ritual our children were naturally uncomfortable. They squirmed, they wiggled, they whined a little. I was shocked to discover how fast we had been eating and running off to our various activities. Over time, it became a habit, and one I will always cherish. Someday, maybe my kids will remember, and cherish it too. (If you ask them now, they may not agree!)
What can you do to fill this time? Well, I can tell you how we do it. First, everyone has a turn sharing their high and low for the day. Even though the kids all struggle now and then to listen and respect their siblings when its their turn, they are learning. And you can just see how good it makes them feel to have their turn to be in the spotlight. Who doesn’t like to be heard? This can take us as much as 30 minutes, depending on how many stories get thrown into it. Then, we all just sort of lean back in our chairs and visit. Its fantastic.
Kids visiting our home for the first time remind me how unusual this ritual is. They will often jump up, after just a few minutes, ready to run off to the next activity. But over time kids who know our family and who eat with us regularly come to love this ritual and wait with anticipation to share their “highs and lows” for the day. How cool is that?
Here is a video of Isaiah’s friends in California, at our dinner table one night. This was a reenactment, as you can tell by the over zealous acting, LOL, but it had just unfolded in pretty much the same way. It warmed my heart.
Photo Goodness: I had the privilege of photographing my sister and her beautiful family in September at the lake. If you’d have been there, you would not believe how great these turned out. Mr. Noah did everything he could be put an end to this photos stuff. Somehow, though, we pulled it off. Aren’t they a beautiful family?
Well, things around my house are just a little crazy this time of year. I honestly cannot believe its already November. Now, I know, everyone says that, but really, it snuck up on my like never before. I can at least be counting my blessings that the boys’ sports have ended for the season and that no one has signed up for anything else, just yet. Isaiah and I start our 5K training today when he gets home. That kid is a crazy-running-fool. At dinner last night his “high” for the day was that he got to go for a run after school (Alayna went with him on her bike). I think I might have to start out riding my bike with him for a good part of it. I haven’t done any real exercise for a long long while and running three miles with Mr. Speedy Gonzales might not be a good starting place. Ha! Wish me luck!!!
Photo goodness:
Could they be cuter? I don’t think so and it was quite a miracle, too. The day of their session was some crazy record-breaking day of rain in San Jose and my whole schedule was rained out. We reschedule for the day I was supposed to fly home to Milwaukee, moving my flight. The day came and so did the rain, again. Their mom called me, ready to call it off, but I was determined to make it work; and it did! We had to take cover once or twice, but we were able to pull of an awful lot of cuteness, rain-be-darned. And I’ve always wanted a family shot with an umbrella, so there you have it! Can’t wait to see you guys at your ordering session very soon.
Oh, how I love these! I’ve been meaning to post these of my dear friend’s children picking blueberries for quite some time. This friend and I met on my first day as a new teacher up in Eveleth, Minnesota, one of the coldest places in the United States. I moved there with young Tyler to take my first real job as a Special Education teacher and Girls Hockey Coach. She was newly engaged and I soon became engaged as well. We were instant friends. We married just two weeks apart and we have been friends through all of the ups and downs of married life and growing families.
This shoot was a quick, rather impromptu session at a not-so-ideal time of day for photos. Thankfully, with a little maneuvering, you really can make almost any crazy lighting work. Not only was the sun high in the sky, but this entire session took place in the most unlikely location: the ditch across the road from their house. I just love the summery feel, the sweet toe-heads, and the happiness the kids felt while they popped nature’s sweetness into their mouths. Mmmm . . . so yummy!
Hey, check it out; I’ve made it to day two! Don’t laugh, it would be easy to slip. Its not a habit yet! I have another habit I am trying to create; running. Not that I have TIME for running. I am honestly not sure when I am going to squeeze it in. But I know I need to do it and so I am going to find a way! My son, Isaiah, (10) is really into running. He ran cross-country this fall in middle school. He and I are thinking of signing up for a 5K on New Years Eve in Minnesota. We will be there for our first Christmas back in the Midwest anyway, so why not? I can’t think of a better running partner, can you? The bonus: my brother and sister both ran the Twin Cities Marathon this fall (way to go, guys!) and they are both thinking of running, too. It will be a family affair.
About today’s image; I just love shooting at the city beach in Capitola, California. Natural Bridges in Santa Cruz is also lovely, but I love the pier, the rocks and the lighting at this beach especially. This shot I just love and her parents must, too. They got a big canvas of it, which I just loved. Nice pick.
Yeah, they really ARE this cute! Just love these boys. I first photographed big brother when he was just a little guy himself. It has been a real pleasure to capture his family as they’ve grown. He now has a little sister and a baby brother to help keep his mom and dad busy; do they ever! Little sister was not having it for the pajama fest…but the love of these brothers more than make up for it. I just adore these shots.
